Lent is here.
Lent is the 40 days intense period of time where we reflect on Jesus Christ, fasting and sacrificing things offering them to God for whatever reason we personally want to offer it up for.
With the way the world goes around right now: technology, excess of information and 1000 different opinions on every single topic that has existed, we can surely say that we are oversaturated, overstimulated and -the main one- we are DISTRACTED.
The word “Distracted” doesn’t sound so bad but it is the best tool the devil has to take us away from God in a subtle way… almost in a way we can’t even tell he did.
Now that lent is back in our Liturgical Calendar we heard and read on Social Media about many Lent Challenges or Fiats or Programs. Then, we saw the flood of thousands of new and re-posted advices and reflections on how to prepare ourselves for Lent.
Don’t get me wrong, they all sounded good. If you do it right and you’re disciplined, you can do it! And God, -who sees in the secret, hears your prayers and watches over you- will be with you through it all. They are all valid sacrifices for Lent.
However, as for me? For an anxious mum of 3 with a chaotic house and loud children who are adapting constantly to new challenges and situations in life? No. It’s not achievable.
I’ve tried the books (I still have one I bought in Lent 2023, brand new. Not used. Collecting dust).
I’ve tried the reading and the posting on Social Media (it exhausted me mentally and emotionally).
I’ve tried fasting but affected my health, my brain sharpeness (already vulnerable with the forever baby-brain) and my mood.
You can do it, though. Whatever you set your mind to but SPECIALLY your Heart and your Prayers, with the Grace of God you’ll be able to do it.
However: if you fast, do it right. When fasting, don’t go home to your family for them to see you cranky. Don’t go to work for everyone to see you neglecting important things. Don’t go around doing your daily shopping, driving or living, with the Rosary hanging on your car, and wearing your Catholic Apparel tshirt, swearing at another driver, at the slow pedestrian or neglecting driving.
Act your Faith.
Don’t block other people’s driveaways when you go and pick up your kids from school. Don’t double park and block the exits at your local Church on Good Friday just because you arrived late and your preferred parking spot is not available. Don’t go and critique every member of your Church, Priests or Parishioners… without having the Heart of God and the Charity in your words.
There are so many things that we do that are NOT consistent with the Faith we vow to profess. God sees the fasting but He also see the actions we do to others. He cannot be tricked.
True Sacrifice? The one Jesus did on the Cross for us. We can’t even do a fraction of what He did. But we are able to spread the Word, to Go and Make Disciples with OUR example, we are the ones that need to take the message of HOPE to the World! We need to do what Our Lady asked of us on Cana Sunday: “Do whatever HE tells you.” John 2:5.
And what did Jesus told us to do? He said “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)
Lent is a season of Penitence, but let us remember that we ARE THE EASTER PEOPLE!!!
Let’s summerge ourselves in prayer and truly discern what are the habits, the actions or omissions, the abstinence and the fasting that we are able to offer up to Our Lord following the guidelines of our Church. What you can do: DO. What you cannot do: pray about it, speak to a priest if needed, and then live this Lent with your heart closer to Our Lord.
You can’t fast? You can’t abstain? There are so many other things you can do for our society. The Maronite Eparchy of Australia’s Lenten Penitencial Practice tells us that those unable to fully observe abstinence “are encouraged to compensate by performing acts of charity and mercy”…
There is SO much you can do! You can visit the elderly in Nursing homes… many lonely and abandoned, or just craving for company to tell their life stories. You can go to a Hospital and do the same. You can reach out to your local Parish or Priest and ask them where they’re needing volunteers. Some things will require for you to get some clearance, but they are all valid acts of mercy.
And let us not forget about Almsgiving. “As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is “a witness to fraternal charity” and “a work of justice pleasing to God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).”
But what is Almsgiving? Almsgiving is defined by Dictionary.com as “the act of donating money, food, or other items to people in need of them, especially as a spiritual practice.” And if you are trying to find places or causes of need, you can always check the Maronite Eparchy of Australia’s Appeals
Finally, the main thing to focus on this Lent is to NOT loose sight of the Cross. You’ll be tempted this Lent. Jesus was too. So hold on tight and let us walk this journey with Our Lord.
Let us remember the Message of the Holy Father for Lent 2025 called “Let us journey together in hope“ where Pope Francis tells us we are called “to hope, to trust in God and his great promise of eternal life. Let us ask ourselves: Am I convinced that the Lord forgives my sins? Or do I act as if I can save myself? Do I long for salvation and call upon God’s help to attain it?
(…) Thanks to God’s love in Jesus Christ, we are sustained in the hope that does not disappoint (cf.Rom5:5). Hope is the “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul”. It moves the Church to pray for “everyone to be saved” (1 Tim2:4) and to look forward to her being united with Christ, her bridegroom, in the glory of heaven.“
May you all have a Blessed Lent.
God bless you,
Liza, a Maronite Mum
Maronite Mum 